Daniela’s Story (Thyroid Cancer)

My name is Daniela. I’m 34. About two months ago, I found a lump in my throat, just above my collar bone.

Cancer has touched my family in the worst way. My oldest brother died at age 28, after fighting bravely for 2 years. Oddly, finding this lump didn’t scare me, but it did shock me. I felt like, this can’t be happening. I went to see my family doctor, who set me up for ultrasounds and blood testing. My blood tests came back perfectly normal, which gave me a bit of relief.

A week later, I had an ultrasound, where the technician asked me questions regarding my thyroid or if I had had a cold recently. I hadn’t had a cold in over a month, but throughout the past 4 months, I had had about 3 colds and a tickling cough that just wouldn’t go away, sometimes causing me to choke and gag like an asthma patient.

The very next day, my family doctor had me in the office. The lump was abnormal. They couldn’t confirm cancer, but they couldn’t rule it out. And with my family history, they were taking no chances. I was being sent for a biopsy with the ENT clinic and a CT Scan and any other tests they could think of, to be sure. The surgeon at the ENT clinic seemed to know right away, after reading the ultrasound results and feeling the lump. She was about 95% sure it was cancer. It could be nothing, but she didn’t think so.

A week later, the results were in. Papillary thyroid cancer, the best one there is, really, because it’s operable. Then the iodine treatment, and you will be good as new. Then, the CT Scan results. Well, there were some more lymph nodes infected, so the surgery will be a little more in-depth, but the outcome is the same.

How do they tell someone, you have cancer, but it’s the best one to have? I’m terrified. And not even about the cancer. I’m terrified about having surgery and the unknown that lies ahead. Because I’ve been told that everything looks good, except that it wasn’t, because it was lurking. So now I wait for my surgery date, and I’m terrified. Oh, and I have yet another cold!

Daniela
Canada
Submitted 12/29/2016

The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.

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2 comments

You’re about to find out that you’re stronger than you ever thought possible. Hang in there, Daniela, you can do this, and we’ll all be thinking of you, praying for you, and willing you on every step of the way. You are now a warrior in the biggest army on earth!!!

I was told the same thing four years ago, it’s the best kind of cancer. Every time I said those words I felt like I was going to throw up. After my surgery and iodine treatment I told my surgeon and the med student with him to NEVER tell that to another patient they have the best cancer. Cancer is cancer and to the patient there is no good kind. You will become a stronger person and your priorities in life will change. But just stay strong and KICK CANCERS BUTT! Sending prayers and hugs.